Florida News

FLORIDA – As Florida’s residents and
visitors manage the current cold-weather
conditions, the state’s unique and treasured
fish and wildlife species may need some
extra care as well. The Florida Fish and
Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is
prepared and ready to prioritize this
critical mission.

“We are committed to conserving our
natural resources, and are staged and ready
in strategic areas throughout the state,”
said FWC Executive Director Eric Sutton.
“Our team of FWC staff, partners and
volunteers are monitoring the status of
marine species affected most by the cold,
and are prepared in case rescues are
needed.”

Sea turtles are one species that can be
affected by cold weather. When the water
temperatures drop, stunned sea turtles may
float listlessly in the water on or near
shore. Although these turtles may appear to
be dead, they are often still alive. It is
important to report these turtles to the FWC
Wildlife Alert Hotline as soon as possible.

“Our staff, partners and permitted
volunteers are already working to rescue sea
turtles in northwest Florida. Nearly 100
turtles have been rescued so far. We are
also monitoring the Mosquito Lagoon and
other areas of the state to see if sea
turtles are being impacted there,” said Kipp
Frohlich, director of FWC’s Division of
Habitat and Species Conservation.

The Florida manatee is another species
that can be impacted by extreme cold
weather. When water temperatures drop,
manatees gather in warm-water habitats such
as discharge canals at power plants and
natural springs. The FWC asks that boaters
be extra vigilant in watching for manatees
in shallow waters near the coast, both
inland and coastal, and obey all posted
manatee speed zone signs.

“Boaters should avoid areas where large
numbers of manatees are gathered,” said Gil
McRae, head of FWC’s Fish and Wildlife
Research Institute. “Aggregated animals
should not be disturbed, as this could cause
them to leave the warm-water sites that help
them cope with cold temperatures.”

To report a dead or distressed manatee,
call the FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline at
888-404-FWCC (3922).

Extended periods of unusually cold
weather can kill fish outright by cold
stress or make fish more susceptible to
disease. Warm-water species, including the
popular game fish snook, are particularly
vulnerable to cold temperatures. Affected
fish may appear lethargic and may be seen at
the surface where the water may be warmer
from the sun.

The FWC monitors fish disease and
mortality events around the state. Report
dead and dying fish to the FWC Fish Kill
Hotline at 800-636-0511.

All other distressed wildlife may be
reported to the FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline
at 888-404-FWCC (3922).